The Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot is a two story building constructed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad to serve passengers and freight using its famous triangle of service between Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City. Today it is a museum including restored rooms, period furnishings, a model railroad, and historical exhibits.
History of the Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot
The middle of the 19th century was a turbulent time in the development of railroad service throughout the United States, as eager entrepreneurs jostled for position in the race to connect America cities by rail. Since building railroads consumed large amounts of capital, competitors leased track to one another and laid track piecemeal, expanding their routes bit by bit. In this way the Chicago and Alton Railroad developed their famous “Triangle” of service, connecting Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City, three of the largest cities in the midwest.
In 1879 the C&A Railroad opened a passenger and freight depot in Independence Missouri. The company employed a standard design with distinctive architecture that served as a useful advertisement easily recognized by the traveling public.
The two story building housed public service facilities on the ground floor, with upstairs living quarters for the station master and his family. For over 50 years the C&A Railroad depot was a bustling center of life and commerce for the town.
The depot closed to passenger and freight traffic in 1960 and was completely abandoned in 1972. After decades of decay, the building was moved to its current location in 1996. Exterior renovations were completed in 1998 and interior restorations in 2003.
Visit the Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot
The Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot has been lovingly restored to its late 19th century appearance. The passenger waiting room, station agent room, and the baggage room occupy the ground floor. The second floor station master’s living quarters include a bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and parlor.
An artifact room and photographic display tell the history of the depot. There is also a model train exhibit.
Chicago & Alton 1879 Railroad Depot Museum Details
Address
318 West Pacific Avenue
Independence, Missouri 64050
Telephone
+1 (816) 325-7955
Hours
Open April through October
Tuesday-Saturday 09:30-16:30
Sunday 12:30-16:30
Closed Monday
Admission
FREE (Donations welcome)
More Things to See and Do in Independence Missouri
Visit the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
National Frontier Trails Museum
Missouri Town 1855
LDS Visitors Center
Fort Osage
Jackson County Jail and Marshal’s House
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